SERGEANT (then CORPORAL) MODESTO CARTAGENA, RA10404100, Infantry,

Company "C", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 21 December
1950, in the vicinity of Hungnam, Korea, Sergeant CARTAGENA was given the
mission to re-establish communication lines between the battalion command post
and Company "A" that had been interrupted by artillery fire. With four others
he set out in search of the broken lines and succeeded in repairing them. On
their return, they were ambushed by a small enemy force that had somehow
infiltrated through the friendly lines. With complete disregard for his
personal safety and under a hail of small arms fire, Sergeant CARTAGENA per-
sonally led his comrades into hand to hand combat and, as a result, the ambush
was wiped out. Sergeant CARTAGEN'S bravery and leadership reflect great
credit upon himself and are in keeping with the high traditions of the military
service. Entered the military service from Puerto Rico.

Source: Record Group 338: General Orders 3^rd Infantry Division, Boxes 129 to 131 -

National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland.

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